Advanced Elder Care, Inc.

Pros

• Dr. Stephen is a refreshing change among medical experts, extremely knowledgeable, diagnosing health issues quickly, and developing effective treatment plans.
• Dr. Steven is highly knowledgeable, with patients reporting significant health improvements and the ability to stop prior medications.
• Dr. Steven is very knowledgeable and helpful in making patients feel their best, offering guidance on diet changes and vitamins.
• Dr. Vanlopik is knowledgeable, personable, and genuinely helpful in ways traditional doctors have not been able to match.
• Dr. Steven has earned years of trust, providing thorough, caring, and effective care as a go-to physician.
• Dr. Steven is attentive, listens carefully to concerns, and makes thoughtful adjustments to care plans.
• The practice is highly recommended for knowledgeable doctors who address health issues that conventional medicine could not resolve.
• Dr. Steven identifies root causes and uses personalized, natural approaches that have no side effects.

Cons

• One reviewer criticized the cost structure, noting the initial and second visits were $400 each and alleging the doctor spent more time talking about himself and directing payments to his wife's related business rather than addressing concerns.
• Another reviewer described the doctor as "a quack at best" and accused him of distributing internet downloads as if they were medicine.
• A reviewer questioned the concept of "Alternative medicine" and suggested it sounded like pseudoscience.
• A reviewer claimed the doctor primarily treated symptoms with supplements available online rather than addressing root causes.

Review

Across the collected reviews, Dr. Steven (and Dr. Vanlopik in several mentions) emerges as a physician who leaves a strong impression on patients by combining deep knowledge with a holistic, patient-centered approach. Many reviewers describe him as refreshingly different from the usual medical experience: highly knowledgeable across a broad range of issues, able to diagnose quickly, and to craft a plan that patients feel is working from the very start. Several accounts highlight a tangible sense of relief in the first month, with ongoing improvements that keep patients confident in their choice to continue care under his guidance. The sentiment is clear: having him in the area is seen as a fortunate rarity.

The core strength repeatedly cited is his breadth of knowledge and the practical, results-oriented way he applies it. Patients frequently credit him with understanding their health challenges at a systems level and developing plans that address root causes rather than merely suppressing symptoms. One reviewer notes the ability to stop previously prescribed medications after engaging with his approach, while others point to improvements in diverse areas - ranging from general health and energy to more specific concerns like acne - achieved through diet changes, vitamins, and personalized lifestyle adjustments. The common thread is a sense that his recommendations feel thoughtful, targeted, and effective.

Beyond the technical expertise, many patients speak highly of his character and bedside manner. He is described as thorough, direct, and genuinely caring, yet also personable and approachable. Several reviews emphasize that he listens carefully, respects patient concerns, and adapts the plan as needed. The experience is frequently framed as collaborative: patients feel involved in the decision-making, and they appreciate the flexibility to fit appointments around work and family obligations. This combination of strength in medical judgment and attentiveness to individual lives seems to be a hallmark of the positive experiences.

A strong recurring theme is the long-term relationship many patients have with him. One reviewer recounts a lifelong connection, visiting since childhood and continuing well into adulthood, underscoring the trust and consistency he provides. Others describe him as their go-to physician for both physical and mental health concerns, appreciating the emphasis on a healthier lifestyle and ongoing reevaluation of care. The portrayal is that of a physician who sees the patient as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms, and who remains a steady, flexible partner over years or even decades of care.

However, the set of reviews is not uniformly glowing. A few commenters challenge the conventional framework of care, with some labeling his approach as "alternative medicine" and expressing concern that it veers into pseudoscience. One reviewer explicitly wonders about the legitimacy of certain practices and questions whether the emphasis on root-cause strategies and natural methods is fully supported by science. This undercurrent of skepticism appears alongside positive testimonials, highlighting that some patients remain wary of the broader philosophy or the balance of science and natural therapies.

Cost and billing issues surface in at least one notable critique. A patient describes an initial consultation priced at $400, followed by another $400 visit, and expresses discomfort with how the billing was handled - specifically, the suggestion that payments be made to his wife's counseling business that is physically connected to him. That account also mentions that the focus seemed to be on symptom relief via online supplements rather than a robust treatment plan, leading to the decision not to return. This perspective points to a desire for transparency in pricing and a clearer explanation of how services are billed and what patients should expect in terms of costs and modalities of treatment.

A small subset of reviews contains explicit negative assessments. One reviewer calls him a "quack at best" and accuses him of distributing internet downloads as if they were medicine. While clearly not representative of the majority view in the set, this sentiment underscores the importance of maintaining rigorous scientific and ethical standards in patient care and communications. Together with the more positive experiences, it paints a balanced picture: the physician's approach resonates strongly with many, but not all patients are comfortable with his methods or the way information and products are presented.

Taken as a whole, the collection portrays a physician who has had a transformative impact on many patients - delivering rapid improvement, thoughtful and comprehensive care, and a holistic approach that blends diet, supplements, and lifestyle modification with medical insight. The overwhelmingly positive experiences emphasize accuracy in diagnosis, clear and effective treatment plans, and a healthcare relationship that patients feel is genuine and enduring. At the same time, the presence of cost concerns, debates about the scientific basis of some methods, and a few strong negative opinions remind us that medical care is deeply personal and that expectations about practice style, transparency, and evidence can vary widely among patients. For anyone considering care with Dr. Steven or Dr. Vanlopik, the message is clear: you may encounter a physician who can be exceptionally empowering and life-changing, but it's wise to clarify treatment philosophy, expected costs, and the specific rationale behind any recommended interventions upfront.

This area of Orland Park, Illinois offers a diverse range of amenities and services that cater to a comfortable and convenient lifestyle for seniors. With multiple dining options such as Hooters, Chick-Fil-A, and The Cheesecake Factory within close proximity, there is no shortage of choices for dining out. Additionally, there are several pharmacies nearby including Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy for easy access to medications and health supplies. For entertainment, seniors can enjoy movies at the Orland Park Cinema or relax at one of the local cafes like Starbucks or Panera Bread. In terms of healthcare, there are reputable physician offices and hospitals like Rife & Associates and Palos Community Hospital in the vicinity. Overall, this part of Orland Park offers a well-rounded environment with accessibility to essential services for seniors looking to settle down in a vibrant community.

Restaurants

• Hooters (0.1 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (0.4 miles)
• Miller's Ale House - Orland Park (0.4 miles)
• Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (0.4 miles)
• Uncle Julio's (0.6 miles)
• The Cheesecake Factory (0.7 miles)
• Red Lobster (0.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.6 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)
• Walgreens (4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.9 miles)

Theaters

• Orland Park Cinema Orland Park, Il (1.4 miles)
• Emagine Frankfort (5.9 miles)

Physicians

• Rife & Associates (1.9 miles)
• Children's Wellness Center (1.9 miles)
• Loyola (2 miles)
• Advocate Medical Campus Southwest (3.5 miles)
• MidAmerica Orthopaedics (4.7 miles)
• Heart Care Centers of Illinois (4.8 miles)
• Pinnacle Dermatology- Frankfort (6.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.3 miles)
• Eggheadz Cafe (4.1 miles)
• Starbucks (6.1 miles)
• Starbucks (7 miles)
• Panera Bread (8.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Our Mother Of Good Counsel (3.7 miles)
• Parkview Christian Church (4.1 miles)
• Palos Islamic Center (4.3 miles)
• Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (8.1 miles)
• Mosque Foundation (8.1 miles)
• Trinity Lutheran Church (8.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Palos Community Hospital (4.5 miles)
• South Suburban Hospital (8.8 miles)

Parks

• Arbor Park (5.7 miles)
• Foxridge Park (6.4 miles)
• The Forge: Lemont Quarries (8 miles)
• Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve (8.1 miles)

Transportation

• Metra (5.8 miles)